Santa Communicates with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children via ASL

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Holiday traditions can sometimes be difficult to adapt for individuals with physical disabilities, but making an extra effort to include everyone can create unforgettable memories. On Wednesday, Santa made a special visit to Sioux Falls, and this event was unique in more ways than one.

Among the many appearances Santa will make before his global trip on Christmas Eve, this one stood out. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, there was no need for a translator. This was a moment that meant a lot to them, as they could experience the holiday in their own way.

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing often have a different perspective on the world and the holiday season. Katie Janssen, an Outreach Consultant at South Dakota Services for the Deaf (SDSD), was born deaf but didn’t grow up signing. She has seen a positive change in recent years with more events being designed with accessibility in mind, something she didn’t have during her childhood. She is excited about how these efforts can help build confidence and connections among these kids.

“SDSD and South Dakota DROP (Deaf Resource & Outreach Programs) love hosting events because it gives kids who might be the only deaf or hard-of-hearing student at their school the chance to meet others like them and form new friendships,” Janssen said through translator Whitney Gard.

This year marks the second time SDSD and South Dakota DROP have hosted the “Signing Santa” event. The staff involved emphasize that it’s not just about taking pictures with Santa, doing crafts, sharing a meal, or having storytime. It’s about ensuring that the joy of the holidays is accessible to all and letting each child know they are not alone.

The kids absolutely love the experience.

“Oh gosh, there’s a list of favorite things,” said the Signing Santa through Gard. “When I can see the kids’ eyes light up when they see me signing and they just can’t hardly believe it. Also, the kids would come up and sit on my lap and we would get to take a lot of different pictures and I would notice that the kids would come up to me again and again and again just to talk with me.”

It’s hard to describe the significance of these kids interacting with Santa in their native language for the first time and even participating in reindeer games. That’s why having a signing Santa is so important.

“Most of the time, Santas just speak, but coming here, they realize Santa can communicate with anyone and that’s why it’s so magical to have that joy, that belief of Christmas,” explained Janssen.

“Oftentimes, all over, deaf and hard-of-hearing kids are brought maybe to the mall or to different stores where they don’t have a Santa who signs. They don’t have that complete access. Having a deaf Santa allows them to have access to him in their native language and chat without an interpreter and kind of feel the true spirit of Christmas,” the Signing Santa said.

For those interested in learning more about the services or events offered by SDSD or South Dakota DROP, you can visit sddeaf.org or sddrop.org.